Court Signals Green Light for Coexistence

 

By Sharan Kumar

 

In a legal reprieve that could well become a blueprint for racing clubs across the country, the Madras Race Club (MRC) has secured temporary relief from closure of racing activities, with the Madras High Court suggesting that a racecourse and an eco-park need not be mutually exclusive. The court posed a pertinent question: Why can’t both co-exist? — a sentiment that echoes a growing belief that these historic spaces, occupying prime real estate, can serve dual purposes.

 

The court has now adjourned the case to August 18 to allow both MRC and the Tamil Nadu government to file additional documents. More crucially, it confirmed that the trial — including cross-examinations — must conclude by March 31, 2026, effectively ensuring that the racing season commencing this August can proceed without disruption. The National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) interim stay on development activities at the 118-acre Guindy property was also acknowledged during the hearing.

 

The club’s legal strategy—citing the successful Mahalakshmi Racecourse model in Mumbai, where the racecourse and public park co-exist—appears to have struck a chord with the judiciary. The court, while hearing the state’s argument that the lease stood cancelled in public interest, urged the parties to explore coexistence as a practical and constructive solution. The MRC counsel however insisted that the premises is still in rightful possession of the club.

 

It may be recalled that the Tamil Nadu government had abruptly terminated the MRC’s lease, which was valid for another 30 years, citing plans to develop an eco-park with a water body. Negotiations for relocating the club to Hosur faltered midway, pushing MRC to seek judicial redress. Meanwhile, the NGT brought another layer of complexity by asserting that restoring a lake at the site was of greater ecological importance than constructing an eco-park—underscoring the imperative of groundwater conservation.

 

This situation presents not just a challenge but a golden opportunity for turf authorities. Turf clubs operating on government land must acknowledge the growing public demand for accessible green spaces. Instead of maintaining a fortress-like presence, they could open their space for public use—walking, jogging, leisure—without compromising the integrity of racing.

 

The Royal Western India Turf Club has already set a precedent. By voluntarily surrendering a portion of land for an eco-park, RWITC secured a 30-year lease extension and even received approval to build a swanky new clubhouse in a previously disused area to generate additional revenue in these hard times. Such foresight in accommodating public interest has helped the Mumbai club strengthen its relationship with both the government and the community.

 

By contrast, the Bangalore Turf Club remains locked in a protracted legal battle over land ownership after losing its case in the High Court. The matter is now in the Supreme Court. The Karnataka government has proposed relocating the club to Kunigal while reportedly offering a portion of land at the existing location for a clubhouse and betting operations. Here again, if the club were to develop the open space into a community-friendly park with walking tracks and lighting, it could pre-empt further confrontation and earn goodwill.

 

The cost of developing an entirely new racecourse is now prohibitively high, and the returns are unlikely to justify the investment. Around the world, even established racecourses are shutting down due to dwindling patronage and competition from other forms of entertainment. In this context, clubs like the financially strained Bangalore Turf Club and, to a lesser extent, the Madras Race Club are in no position to undertake such capital-heavy ventures. It is far more financially prudent to retain racing at existing urban tracks—which already have legacy, infrastructure, and access—while developing training centres on the outskirts. This hybrid model not only reduces the pressure on prime urban land but also helps clubs stay relevant and sustainable in a changing environment. Simply put, building new racecourses is no longer a viable option.

 

If turf clubs can shed the image of being elite enclaves and open their gates to the public in meaningful ways, they not only safeguard their future but also embed themselves in the fabric of the city. It’s no longer a question of survival—it’s a question of relevance. And the path forward may well begin with a simple gesture: inviting the public in for a walk.

 


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